Description
Ultimate Meatball Recipe that’s juicy, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for pasta, subs, or party appetizers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- ½ lb ground pork
- ½ lb ground veal (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, pork, veal (if using), soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, grated onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently using your hands until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Form meatballs about 1½ inches in diameter and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
- For pan-searing: heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs in batches until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total.
- Alternatively, bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes until cooked through.
- For best flavor, simmer meatballs in your favorite marinara sauce for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture or the meatballs can become tough.
- Soaking breadcrumbs in milk is key to tender texture.
- You can substitute veal with more pork or turkey.
- These meatballs freeze well after baking—great for meal prep.
- Perfect with pasta, in subs, or as party appetizers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking or Pan Searing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Ultimate Meatball Recipe, juicy meatballs, easy homemade meatballs, Italian meatballs, best meatball recipe
